Spacing keys are special keyboard characters that are used to give appropriate characters that are used tp give gap(s) in between words or typing lines.
They are as follows:
- Backspace: This moves the carriage or cursor one space at a time. It is usually typed with the weak or pinky finger on the right hand. It is used to erase characters from the end.
- Line space regulator: busin It can be adjusted by the right or left hand. it allows for 1, 1½ , 2 and 3 line spacing.
- Space bar: This is a rectangular bar at the bottom of a typewriter or computer. When touched, it gives space between characters. It is usually typed with the thumb especially the right thumb.
Some of the punctuation marks on the keyboard are: , . ? ‘‘’’ ; : () !
Correct Finger Placement
After fingers are properly placed on the home keys, the right and left thumbs should be dangling on the space bar. The right thumb is used to press the space bar whenever the need arises to give space. For correct finger placement on punctuation marks, the 3rd finger on the right hand side is used to press comma key, while the 4th finger i.e. the little finger is used to press the full stop key. These are on the Nottem row. For the punctuation marks that are on the Home row, the 4th finger on the right hand which is the little finger is placed on semi-colon (;) and also used to press the apostrophe (‘). Also, the 4th finger on the left hand is placed on exclamation mark (!) which is found on the top row where numeric numbers are. The 3rd and 4th fingers on the right hand are placed on the brackets which is also known as parentheses.
Correct Use of Punctuation Mark Keys
Punctuation marks are used in sentences to separate sentences or parts of sentences and to make their meaning clear. Punctuation mark keys are to be correctly used when typing. The keys are to be mastered for effectiveness as wrong use of them will affect the correctness of what we are typing.
Correct Spacing After Punctuation Marks
After a punctuation mark, there will usually be a commensurate number of spaces to be left before typing the next word. The punctuation marks, their uses and the number of spaces to be left before the next word are listed below:
Full Stop/Period (.)
A full stop (.) is usually used at the end of a sentence. After a full stop, two spaces must be left before starting the next sentence. An example is: Ade works in our office. A full stop can also be used as a decimal point.
Examples of these are:
#5.00 #20.00 #33.00 #20.40
Comma (,)
This is to indicate a slight pause in a sentence. One space must be left after a comma. An example is:
Titi said she would be here tomorrow, but she asked me to telephone her to confirm tonight.
Semi-colon (;)
It is used to indicate a pause in a sentence where the second clause is closely linked with the first. One space is left after a semi-colon. An example is:
Erase thoroughly; retype the word lightly.
Colon (:)
This is used in directing a special attention to what follows or separate parts of a compound sentence. Two spaces are left after a colon.
Examples are:
- The following are the names of the candidates:
- Application for leave: Mr. A. O. Dumuje.
Question Mark (?)
It is used after a question. Two spaces are given after a question mark. An example is:
Where did you go?
Brackets/parenthesis (())
This is used to enclose clauses or sentences explaining thr leading idea of a sentence. One space is usually left after a bracket/parenthesis.
An example is:
We need (a) 5 sacks of salt and (b) 28 packs of lard.
Dash/Hypen (–)
This is used in place of comma. One space is given before and after a dash is typed. An example is:
I may not wish-in the initial stage to attend.
Apostrophe (‘)
It is used to replace ‘I’ or ‘no’ to make hours meaningful and to quote a word or figure which needs special attention. No space is given after it is typed.
Examples:
- It’s not mine. I can’t come tomorrow.
- It is Nze’s property
- Use a ‘pay-in slip’ when depositing your money.
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